PMA alumni told: Don’t prejudge fellow cavaliers in AFP mess

Amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the military, alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) were asked Saturday not to prejudge their fellow cavaliers who linked to the supposed scandal, at least while the probes are ongoing. The appeal came from PMA superintendent Vice Admiral Leonardo Calderon Jr., who also urged them not to be swayed by what he called as “hate campaign" against some personalities being linked to the alleged misuse of AFP funds. “While the investigations are still ongoing, I urge all alumni not to condemn anyone until rulings and decisions are reached by authorities. But also let us not instigate nor be swayed by the hate campaign against anybody for it won’t do any better either. I hope we remain calm and impartial," Calderon said in his welcome remarks on the occasion of the 112th PMA alumni homecoming in Baguio City. Many members and officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are alumni of the PMA, the country’s premier military learning institution. Both houses of Congress are now investigating the “pabaon" (send-off money) and other alleged irregular financial transactions in the AFP. The investigations stemmed from the plea bargaining agreement reached by government and retired AFP comptroller Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, a member of PMA Class 1971, who is facing plunder charges. On the other hand, some critics had blamed a Senate inquiry on the AFP issue for the suicide of former AFP chief of staff and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes, a member of PMA Class 1966. Reyes shot himself in front of his mother’s grave in Marikina City on Feb. 8 after being accused of receiving P50 million in pabaon upon his retirement from the military. Meanwhile, Calderon lauded the alumni for their presence at the PMA’s homecoming, saying their presence is a show of support for their alma mater. “Your mere presence today is a show of support and untiring belief in our alma mater," he said. — LBG, GMA News